AT&T Unauthorized Third-Party Billing Settlement

AT&T Mobility LLC has agreed to settle a lawsuit that was filed by the Federal Trade Commission over allegations it charged mobile customers for third-party services without their authorization. If you are a current or former AT&T customer who paid for unauthorized third-party charges, you may be eligible for a refund from the AT&T settlement.

According to the FTC lawsuit, AT&T charged mobile customers for third-party services like ringtones, wallpaper or text message subscriptions for celebrity gossip, horoscopes or flirting tips. These charges were allegedly billed to customers’ account even though they never ordered or authorized the subscriptions. As a result, many customers were paying up to $9.99 per month for these subscriptions.

AT&T allegedly deceived its customers about the charges by lumping them together and making them seem as if they were related to the mobile phone services. Even customers who were diligent about checking their phone bills allegedly missed these unauthorized charges. The FTC has cracked down on mobile phone service providers over this practice, which is known as “cramming.”

AT&T has agreed to change its third-party billing practices to ensure customers consent to the charges and that it will issue refunds for any unauthorized charges. Under the terms of the mobile cramming settlement, AT&T will pay $105 million to resolve the FTC lawsuit.

UPDATE: On Dec. 8, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it will provide around $88 million in refunds to more than 2.7 million AT&T Mobility LLC customers who were charged for premium text message services without their consent. According to the FTC, the average AT&T refund amount will be $31.

UPDATE 2: On Dec. 16, 2016, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving FTC refund checks worth as much as $41. Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got PAID!

Who’s Eligible

Current and former AT&T customers who paid for unauthorized third-party charges after Jan. 1, 2009 may apply for refunds from the AT&T settlement.

Potential Award

Varies.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Claim Form

Claim Form Deadline

5/1/2015

Case Name

FTC v. AT&T Mobility LLC

Final Hearing

N/A

Settlement Website

www.FTC.gov/ATT

Claims Administrator

FTC v. AT&T Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 3219
Portland, OR 97208-3219
1-877-819-9692

Class Counsel

N/A

Defense Counsel

N/A